Method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED)

ABSTRACT

A method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The system involves an apparatus that calls for help (i.e. 911), detects SCA and cardiac arrhythmias, locates an AED, guides the rescuer through CPR and connection of the AED. A second apparatus is in the enclosure that contains the AED, sends location information to the other apparatus, triggers audible and visual indicators, and provides information on the victim&#39;s location.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/911,393, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,152, filed Oct.25, 2010 by Kyle R. Bowers for METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXPEDITING THERESCUE OF VICTIMS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST (SCA) WHEN USED INCONJUNCTION WITH AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED), which claimsbenefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/279,634, filed Oct. 23, 2009 by Kyle R. Bowers for METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR EXPEDITING THE RESCUE OF VICTIMS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST(SCA) WHEN USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR(AED)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and system for expediting the rescueof victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used inconjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The systeminvolves an apparatus that calls for help (i.e., 911), detects SCA andcardiac arrhythmias, locates an AED, guides the rescuer through CPR andconnection of the AED. A second apparatus is in the enclosure thatcontains the AED, sends location information to the other apparatus,triggers audible and visual indicators, and provides information on thevictim's location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Approximately 350,000 deaths occur each year in the United States alonedue to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Worldwide deaths due to SuddenCardiac Arrest (SCA) are believed to be at least twice that of theUnited States. Many of these deaths can be prevented if effectivedefibrillation is administered within 3-5 minutes of the onset of SCA.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the onset of an abnormal heart rhythm,lack of pulse and absence of breath, leading to a loss of consciousness.If a pulse is not restored within a few minutes, death occurs. Mostoften, SCA is due to Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), which is a chaoticheart rhythm that causes an uncoordinated quivering of the heart muscle.The lack of coordinated heart muscle contractions results in a lack ofblood flow to the brain and other organs. Unless this chaotic heartrhythm is quickly terminated, thereby allowing the heart to restore itsown normal rhythm, death ensues.

Rapid detection, CPR and defibrillation are the only known means torestore a normal heart rhythm and prevent death after SCA due toVentricular Fibrillation (VF). For each minute that passes after theonset of SCA, mortality typically increases by 10%. At 7-10 minutes, thesurvival rate is generally below 10%. However, if a patient iseffectively defibrillated within 1-2 minutes of the onset of SCA,survival rates can be as high as 90% or more. Therefore, the only knownway to increase the chance of survival for an SCA victim through earlydetection, CPR and defibrillation.

Rescuers require AED training (also CPR and first aid) by the Red Cross,AHA or other organization on what do during the time when someone has aheart attack until help arrives. The steps that rescuers are trained toperform are:

-   -   1. Call for help. Dial 911 (in the USA) or have someone else do        it for you.    -   2. Assess the victim's condition:        -   a) Move the victim's arm and ask or yell “are you okay?”        -   b) Check to see if the person is breathing    -   3. Call for an AED. Most public places have an AED. Ask someone        to locate the nearest AED available.    -   4. Begin CPR. The American Heart Association has recently        changed guidelines to encourage lay rescuers (or even        bystanders) to perform CPR compressions.    -   5. Use an AED if available.

Until recently, first-aid classes taught would-be rescuers to check fora pulse at step (2b) before starting CPR. The AHA now discourageschecking for a pulse in an unconscious victim. This is largely becausethe AHA has found that poorly trained rescuers come to an incorrectconclusion when checking for a pulse in about 35% of cases.

AEDs can easily be found in most public and private places such asschools, golf courses, casinos, restaurants, amusement parks, etc. andhave been mandated on airplanes in the USA. As the number of AEDs placedin use increases, so does access to these devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As the number of AEDs placed in use increases, so does the number of layrescuers and potentially untrained bystanders that will use thesedevices. In an emergency situation, the lay rescuer may fail tocorrectly perform the steps as described above or potentially leave astep out. In addition, the lay rescuer may be hesitant to placedefibrillation electrodes on a victim's chest, because they are unsureof their condition. This supports the AHAs decision for the lay rescuerto not check for a pulse. As described in the background of theinvention, the victim's chances for survival decreases with the time ofdetection and defibrillation. Therefore the lay rescuer or otherbystander must quickly locate the AED, while CPR is being administered.

The inventor sees the need for a system that expedites the rescue of avictim experiencing SCA. The system of the present invention increasesthe chances of survival of an SCA victim by decreasing the amount oftime to complete steps 1-5. In addition, the system described in thepresent invention performs the sequential steps, where possible, withouterror or omission.

The system involves first an apparatus that:

-   -   (1) calls for help    -   (2) detects SCA    -   (3) guides a bystander to the location of a nearby AED    -   (4) guides the rescuer through CPR and provides information to        the rescuer with regard to the efficacy of the CPR being        administered    -   (5) guides the rescuer on how to connect an AED.

In addition, the system involves a second apparatus located with an AEDthat:

-   -   (1) provides the first apparatus with information with regard to        the location of the AED    -   (2) alerts with audible and visual indicators    -   (3) provides information with regard to the location of the        victim.

In addition, the system involves a method for expediting the rescue of avictim experiencing SCA. The inventor believes this method, that thoseskilled in the art will appreciate, will completely change the thinkingof how AEDs are used and deployed. Previous thinking included a“Universal Access To Defibrillation” method. This method includedwidespread deployment of AEDs everywhere. Such an example is walkinginto an office or other public building, looking for a fire extinguisherand finding an AED located above or in the same enclosure. Disadvantagesto this method are, of course, primarily related to the cost ofincreasing the number of AEDs within a location and the associated costswith servicing, maintenance, etc. of these devices. The inventorbelieves this new method and system for expediting the rescue of victimsexperiencing SCA has a large advantage over this previous method. Theinventor will introduce an example scenario before the advantages arediscussed.

An example scenario of the new paradigm is: victim is discoveredpotentially experiencing SCA, the rescuer locates a first device,located with a fire extinguisher or other known place, applies thedevice to the patient, the device calls 911 for EMS dispatch, withlocation of the victim and also calls on-site trained rescue personnelif available. The device then analyzes the patient for SCA and guidespotentially a second rescuer to the location of the nearest AED. Thefirst rescuer is then guided through administering CPR. The secondrescuer locates the AED which is being indicated by the AED enclosure.The secondary rescuer or on-site trained rescuer (previously notified bythe system) removes the AED and then receives verbal instructions onlocation of the victim. The first rescuer has now administered CPR forapproximately 1-2 minutes. If the device instructs the rescuer to attachthe AED, the AED is connected and a defibrillation shock is delivered.In an ideal world, the victim has been converted to a normal sinusrhythm. EMS (previously notified by the system) arrives shortly,stabilizes the victim and transports them to the local hospital orclinic.

Advantages of the new method and system are obvious: the wide-spreaddeployment of the first device (as described above), which costs afraction of the cost of an AED and is easier to service, maintain, etc.used in concert with nearby AED with a secondary device (for location)decreases overall cost of the system and expedites the time a victimexperiencing SCA is rescued, ultimately giving the victim the optimalchances for survival. There are also other advantages that those skilledin the art will not find obvious and are described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, whichare to be considered together with the accompanying drawings whereinlike numbers refer to like elements and further wherein:

FIG. 1 is block diagram of the system for expediting the rescue ofvictims experiencing SCA.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the wireless system contained in the SCAdetection;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial of one concept of the SCA detection apparatusattached to the patient;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial of another concept of the SCA detection apparatusattached to the patient;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial of a concept of the SCA detection apparatuspackaged and unopened;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial of a concept of the SCA detection apparatus openedand ready to be applied to the victim;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the SCA detection apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example method used by the SCAdetection device for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing SCA;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of the wireless method usedby the SCA detection;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial of a concept the SCA detection apparatus with padrelease liner detached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A block diagram of the system for expediting the rescue of victimsexperiencing SCA is shown in FIG. 1. The first device as described inthe above summary is referred to as the SCA detection apparatus, sinceits primary function is to quickly assess the victim and detect ordetermine if the patient is experiencing SCA. The second device asdescribed in the above summary is referred as the location apparatus,since its primary function is to locate the AED and then locate thevictim once the AED has been removed from its enclosure.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection and location apparatuses contain a wireless system and globalpositioning system (GPS) as shown in FIG. 2. As those skilled in the artcan appreciate, the wireless system may be of any of the current orfuture wireless networks or technologies. Some examples of currenttechnologies are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc. In accordance with onepreferred form of the present invention, the apparatuses contain cellphone electronics and use cellular networks. In accordance with onepreferred form of the present invention, the SCA detection is able to“call” the wireless network, contacting dispatch for emergency medicalservices (EMS) dispatch and provides GPS location of the victim. The SCAapparatus, if pre-programmed, is also able to “call” an on-site trainedrescuer. An on-site trained rescuer could range from, for example, asecurity guard trained in CPR to an emergency physician.

As shown in the example method in FIG. 9, the SCA detection apparatuscontinues to attempt to call a secondary number in the event that aprimary number is busy, out-of-service, etc. In this example, theprimary number is 911 and the secondary number is local EMS, however,the numbers called by the apparatus may not be limited to emergencyservices.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus may have a list of prioritized numbers that arecalled. The prioritized list may change dynamically as the numbers arecalled and connections are made or not made. As those skilled in the artcan appreciate, the example method shown in FIG. 9 is done as abackground task, so as not to affect the rapid detection of SCA and tomake every attempt possible to ensure help is on the way.

The SCA apparatus device has a voice synthesizer and can transmitmessages during the call. In addition, the SCA device is able to locateusing GPS and “call” a nearby AED via the location apparatus, notify thelocation apparatus that an event has occurred and gives the GPS locationof the victim. As those skilled in the art can appreciate, there are nolimitations to this network and more wireless branches of any kind couldbe added to the system diagram shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show concepts of the SCA detection apparatus applied tothe patient. The rescuer peels off a pad release liner (shown in FIG.10) that exposes the electrodes. The rescuer then applies or “sticks”the device to the patient's exposed chest. Applying the device could besomewhat analogous to applying a large band-aid to the chest.

The electrode area shown in FIG. 10 is square, but the area may be roundor any other shape. The electrodes and surrounding pad may contain ahydrogel, electrically conductive adhesive or other compound whichserves to connect the SCA detection apparatus to the patient and helpsto hold or “stick” the device in place.

In accordance with another preferred form the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus release liner contains an “activation” componentthat causes the SCA detection apparatus to automatically power-on whenthe liner is removed. As those skilled in the art can appreciate, thecomponent may be an active or inactive device. The activation componentshown in FIG. 10 is a resistor.

In accordance with another preferred form the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus release liner may contain a different component,wire or resistor of a different value. This allows an identification ofthe type of SCA detection apparatus. In other words, there may benon-clinical versions that are used for training and allow a re-sealing,so that the training device can be used multiple times. The SCAdetection apparatus communicates this information and allows the AEDsystem to be put in “training mode” for specific configurations of themanufacturer's AED. Other versions of the pad release liner containinstructions and diagrams that show the rescuer where to place the SCAdetection apparatus and how to remove the liner, etc.

Although these instructions are provided, removal of the pad releaseliner is easy and intuitive; the user simply peels the pull tab shown inFIG. 10 to remove the liner. In addition, the SCA detection apparatusneed not be located exactly as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and will work inalmost any position as long as it is located over the heart.

The SCA detection apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is in Lead-I configuration,but could also be adapted for Lead-II as shown in FIG. 4. As thoseskilled in the art can appreciate, the SCA detection device placementcould be anterior-anterior, anterior-posterior or any other positionplacement as well. The SCA detection apparatus could be adapted 3-Lead,5-Lead, 12-Lead or other configurations as well.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus contains a wireless system and GPS that calls EMS,so that help is on the way. In other preferred forms of the presentinvention, the SCA detection apparatus may use Blue-tooth to “call” viaa rescuer's cell phone. In yet another form of the present invention,the SCA detection apparatus instructs the rescuer to call 911 and has alabel that instructs the rescuer where to find the nearest AED. Theinventor notes that there may be many versions of the aforementionedapparatus to meet the economy of industry needs.

A block diagram of the SCA detection apparatus is shown in FIG. 7. TheSCA detection apparatus controller circuit contains the necessarycomponents and circuits to ensure the device works efficiently andreliably. Such examples of these are a watch-dog circuit which causesthe status indication system to warn the rescuer of a malfunction of thecontroller or other circuits.

In accordance with the present invention, the watch-dog circuit andstatus indication system are configured so that if either fails, thestatus indication system indicates that the device is unusable, ensuringthe entire system is failsafe. In accordance with one form of thepresent invention, the SCA detection apparatus runs a periodic self-testand uses the status indication system to notify the user of the results.The periodic self-test checks the SCA detection apparatus circuitry,controllers, batteries, etc.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCADetection apparatus contains memory to store pertinent information. Asthose skilled in the can appreciate, the memory may be RAM, FLASH,EEPROM or any other type of volatile or non-volatile memory. The memorymay also be internal and/or removable. Some examples of removable memorytypes are data cards, multi-media cards, synchronous digital, sticks orany other type known well by those skilled in the art.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCADetection apparatus contains a battery and is self-powered. The batterycontained within the apparatus may be removable, disposable,rechargeable, non-rechargeable, non-removable or any combination of theabove well known by those skilled in the art. The apparatus alsocontains circuitry which allows measurement of the battery voltageand/or temperature. The apparatus is capable of storing this informationin memory.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCADetection apparatus contains an analog-to-digital converter (A/D) andother analog or digital circuitry.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCADetection apparatus contains an ECG circuit capable of measuring thevictim's electrical heart activity. The controller stores the victim'sECG in memory and runs an “advisory” algorithm using this information todetect or determine if the victim is in SCA. The data in memory may beremoved later for post analysis of the event and to view details suchas, but not limited to, the victim's heart rhythm (ECG), how long CPRwas administered, self-test results, the time and location of the victimduring the event, etc.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCADetection apparatus can download the post analysis event data viawireless communications to another wireless system. The SCA detectionapparatus only chooses to download the data from internal memory duringnon-clinical periods (when not applied to the patient) and/or after aclinical event has elapsed.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCADetection apparatus contains an impedance analysis circuit to determineif the device is applied to the patient. The impedance analysis circuitmay also measure the trans-thoracic impedance of the patient storing themeasurement in memory.

The voice instruction system and status indication system contain visualand audible components to alert the user of a number of conditions.Examples of such conditions are alerting the rescuer that the patientrequires therapy, alerting the user of low battery, other conditionswithin the device, etc.

The voice instruction system uses clear and easy-to-understand promptsfor instructing the rescuer.

In accordance with another preferred form of the present invention, theSCA Detection apparatus contains a display for showing text, graphics,waveforms, video, etc.

In accordance with other preferred forms of the present invention, theSCA detection apparatus may contain other detection mechanisms, such asbut not limited to: patient pulse and heart rate, patient temperature,patient blood pressure, patient blood oxygen level, etc. as is wellunderstood by those skilled in the art or in the medical field. If SCAdetection apparatus determines that CPR is necessary, the deviceinstructs the rescuer to perform CPR and provides a pulsed tone and/orLED indicator for compressions. In accordance with one preferred form ofthe present invention, the SCA detection apparatus outer surface iscontoured with a hand shape shown in FIG. 6 and is constructed to bepushed for chest compressions. The contoured hand shape on the top coverof the SCA detection apparatus allows the user to put one hand on thedevice and the other hand on top for performing CPR.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus gives the rescuer feedback with regard to the CPRcompressions they are performing.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus contains the necessary components and circuitry forproviding feedback to the user. There are many methods to providefeedback including the use of accelerometers, sensors, etc. wellunderstood by those skilled in the art.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus gives feedback to the rescuer during CPR. Someexamples of feedback are, but not limited to, compression rate,compression depth, CPR duration, CPR respite, etc.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus instructs the rescuer when to give mouth-to-mouthresuscitation breaths.

The concepts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may contain some of the conceptfeatures shown in FIG. 6 or features that are completely different. Suchexamples of these features are handles, knobs, other manufacturer's CPRdevices integrated into the apparatus, etc., or other devices that areused to perform CPR that are well known by those skilled in the art.

Once an AED has been located and brought to the victim, if SCA detectiondevice instructs the rescuer to connect the AED, they simply open asmall pouch on the device that contains an industry-standard length wirewith a connector to allow connection to the AED. In accordance with onepreferred form of the present invention, the SCA detection devicealready contains the defibrillation electrodes. The voice command systemuses simple, clear instructions on how to connect the AED and to turn iton. The AED, which is not part of the SCA detection device, may be anymanufacturer's AED, defibrillator, pacing device, etc. that is wellunderstood by those skilled in the art or in the medical field. Most ofthe aforementioned devices contain an illuminated shock button thatrequires the user to press to deliver a defibrillation shock.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus is compatible for use with the manufacturer's AEDand electrode connection. In accordance with another preferred form ofthe present invention, the SCA detection apparatus contains an adaptorthat allows connection to the manufacturer's AED.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus AED connector is the industry standard connector perAHA/ERC guidelines, meaning that the AED and other manufacturers mustcomply with this connector by design or by the use of an adaptor.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, the SCAdetection apparatus senses that the AED is attached and enters “silentmode” so as not to confuse the rescuer with the prompts delivered by theAED.

In addition, as those skilled in the art can appreciate and inaccordance with the present invention, the SCA detection apparatusaffords the ability to first be used with one manufacturer's AED andthen be used with a subsequent device by the use of an electrodeconnector adaptor or, in an ideal world, by using an industry standardconnector. As those skilled in the art can appreciate, examples of suchsubsequent devices are, but not limited to, other manufacturer's AEDs,defibrillators, patient monitors, etc. This allows continuation ofhealth care throughout the complete chain of rescue: from the initialrescue situation, to the transport of the patient to the hospital andtransport within the hospital to the emergency care units.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus contains all of the necessary blocks in the systemblocks from FIG. 7. The location apparatus, however, does not connect toa patient, so certain blocks, such as ECG, Impedance and electrodes arenot required.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate, the location apparatusotherwise may have mechanisms and functions that are quite similar tothe SCA detection apparatus.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus may be attached to the AED. In accordance withanother preferred form of the present invention, the location apparatusmay be integrated into the AED. In accordance with yet another preferredform of the present invention, the location apparatus may be attached tothe AED, but may also be part of the enclosure system. In accordancewith one preferred form of the present invention, the location apparatusis attached to the AED, but sits in a docking station or charging holderwithin the enclosure. This enables the apparatus to stay charged whilesitting in standby mode. In accordance with one preferred form of thepresent invention, the location apparatus is connected to theenclosure's alarm system and triggers the alarm when “called” by the SCAdetection apparatus. This alarm alerts an on-site rescuer that an eventis occurring. It also helps rescuers locating the AED to find thedevice.

In accordance with another preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus indication system contains the alarm system itself.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus becomes detached from the docking station or chargingholder when the AED is removed.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus begins to instruct the rescuer of the location of thevictim once the device is detached. As those skilled in the art canappreciate, the location apparatus gives verbal instructions similar tothat of a personal GPS system, so the AED is quickly brought to thevictim. If the rescuer is on-site, they can find the victim withouthaving previous knowledge of the victim's location.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus determines when it has reached the victim's locationand enters a silent or muted mode.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus, when “called” by the SCA detection apparatus, mayindicate that the AED is out of service.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus, when “called” by the SCA detection apparatus, mayindicate that the AED is in use.

As shown in the example method in FIG. 8, if the SCA detection apparatusdetermines that the nearest AED is in use, it locates the next nearestAED. As those skilled in the art can appreciate, there may be manyexceptions to this method in the event that the SCA detection apparatusdetermines that there may not be another AED located nearby and may usea pre-programmed parameter and/or an algorithm to decide if the AED isnearby.

In accordance with one preferred form of the present invention, thelocation apparatus when “called” by the SCA detection apparatus mayindicate that the AED is needed in more than one location.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/978,261, filed Oct. 29, 2007 byKyle R. Bowers for AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) SYSTEM WITHMULTIPLE PATIENT WIRELESS MONITORING CAPABILITY FOR USE IN MASS CASUALTYINCIDENTS, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/772,216, filedMar. 11, 2010 by Kyle R. Bowers for WIRELESS MONITORING APPARATUS USEDIN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (RED) SYSTEM FORMULTIPLE PATIENT RESCUE DURING MASS CASUALTY INCIDENTS, which patentapplications are hereby incorporated herein by reference, the inventorteaches that a single AED can be used to treat several patient in amultiple or mass casualty incident. The same teachings can be applied topreferred forms of the present invention. As discussed earlier andlooking at FIG. 1, there is no limitation to the number of branches inthe system network. In fact, the network can be seen as a web or even agrid connecting several networks. As those skilled in the art canappreciate, with current wireless and GPS technologies, several knownmethods can be applied to connect one or more or all of the apparatuses,which includes AEDs or any other compatible device that has or containsa location apparatus. In accordance with one preferred form of thepresent invention, the method used by the disclosed apparatuses decideswhich devices they will communicate with in pairs before an eventoccurs. In other words, looking back in FIG. 8, this example methodcould be modified to have already decided which AED(s) are nearby.

In accordance with yet another preferred form of the present invention,the method used by the disclosed apparatuses decides which devices theywill communicate with in pairs during an event. In other words, themethod can decide either before an event (i.e., both devices currentlynot in use and logistically close) and/or decide during an event (i.e.,one device currently in use).

In accordance with one another preferred form of the present invention,the method used by the one or more of the disclosed apparatuses decideswhich devices they will communicate with in multiples before and/orduring an event. In other words, one or more devices on the networkdecide logistically, in a prioritized scheme, which other devices theywill communicate with regardless if one or more devices are in use. Inthe event of more than one casualty, the apparatuses can find one ormore AEDs in nearby locations, so that one or more victims can betreated simultaneously.

In accordance with yet another preferred form of the present invention,the method used by the one or more of the disclosed apparatuses decidesthat even though the AED is currently in use in one location, it will beneeded thereafter for a subsequent event. In other words, in a masscasualty event, one or more SCA detection apparatus(es) decide that eventhough there are multiple events occurring simultaneously, that a singleAED should be used in a prioritized sequence, i.e., triage situation.This information would be communicated in concert with the locatingapparatus. Looking back at FIG. 8, the example method would beappropriately modified for a second event. As those skilled in the artcan appreciate, the second device may decide to skip some blocks shownin FIG. 8 based on information at the time of the event or in the timingof a combination of events.

MODIFICATIONS

While the present invention has been described in terms of certainexemplary preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood andappreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, andthat many additions, deletions and modifications may be made to thepreferred embodiments discussed herein without departing from the scopeof the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for expediting the rescue of avictim experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), wherein the methodwirelessly connects a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) detection apparatuslocated with the victim to a location apparatus located with anautomatic external defibrillator (AED), wherein the SCA detectionapparatus comprises one or more electrodes for attachment to the victim,the method comprising: (1) analyzing the victim to detect whether thevictim is in SCA; (2) calling for help, wherein the call for help isperformed in accordance with a list of prioritized numbers, with the SCAdetection apparatus calling a secondary number if there is no answer ata primary number, and further wherein the call for help is performed asa background task so as not to affect further operation of the SCAdetection apparatus; (3) if SCA is detected, guiding a rescuer throughperforming cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); (4) locating a nearbyAED by communicating with the location apparatus located with the nearbyAED; (5) indicating the location of the victim to the nearby AED; (6)guiding at least one of the rescuer and a second rescuer to the locationof the nearby AED; and (7) guiding at least one of the rescuer and thesecond rescuer on how to connect the nearby AED to the SCA detectionapparatus; wherein steps (1)-(3) and (7) are performed by the SCAdetection apparatus, wherein step (4) is performed by the SCA detectionapparatus and the location apparatus, and further wherein steps (5) and(6) are performed by at least one of the SCA detection apparatus and thelocation apparatus.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the SCAdetection apparatus further comprises: at least one battery; a wire andconnector for connection to an AED; a status indication system; a voicemessaging system; at least one controller; controls, components andcircuitry to allow wireless communications; and controls, components andcircuitry to allow Global Positioning System (GPS).
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2 wherein the SCA detection apparatus uses the voicemessaging system to report the location of the nearby AED.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3 wherein the SCA detection apparatus uses the voicemessaging system and indicators to instruct the rescuer on performingCPR.
 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the SCA detectionapparatus uses the voice messaging system and indicators to give therescuer feedback on the CPR they are performing.
 6. The method accordingto claim 4 wherein the SCA detection apparatus uses the voice messagingsystem and indicators to give the rescuer feedback on CPR compressionrate and depth.
 7. The method according to claim 2 wherein the SCAdetection apparatus uses the voice messaging system to instruct at leastone of the rescuer and the second rescuer on how to connect an AED. 8.The method according to claim 1 wherein the SCA detection apparatusfurther comprises controls and circuitry to measure and analyze anelectrocardiogram (ECG) signal of the victim.
 9. The method according toclaim 1 wherein the SCA detection apparatus further comprises controlsand circuitry to measure and analyze a transthoracic impedance signal ofthe victim.
 10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the SCAdetection apparatus further comprises controls and circuitry to measureand analyze one or more of the victim's: temperature; blood oxygenlevel; blood pressure; pulse; and heart rate.
 11. The method accordingto claim 1 wherein step (1) comprises analyzing an ECG signal of thevictim to determine if a heart rhythm of the victim is shockable. 12.The method according to claim 11 wherein the SCA detection apparatusdetermines if the heart rhythm of the victim is shockable and uses avoice messaging system to report the results.
 13. The method accordingto claim 1 wherein the SCA detection apparatus measures and storesvictim data in internal memory.
 14. The method according to claim 13wherein the SCA detection apparatus upon request transmits victim datastored in internal memory to another wireless device during non-clinicalperiods.
 15. The method according to claim 1 wherein the SCA detectionapparatus enters a silenced mode when the AED is connected.
 16. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the SCA detection apparatus furthercomprises a removable release liner having an activation component whichcauses the apparatus to automatically power-on when the release liner isremoved from the apparatus.
 17. The method according to claim 1 whereinthe SCA detection apparatus is configured to run an algorithm to detectwhether the victim is in SCA.
 18. The method according to claim 1wherein the location apparatus contains visual and audible components toalert the rescuer or the second rescuer of one or more conditions whentriggered, wherein the one or more conditions comprises at least one ofthe location of the victim and the status of the nearby AED.
 19. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the location apparatus is configuredto enter a silent mode when it reaches the victim's location.
 20. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the location apparatus is configuredto indicate whether the AED is out of service or in use when contactedby the SCA detection apparatus.